This section is a focus for news about the workings of AMPLINEX, corrections to items in previous issues, and other small items of information which might otherwise be missed amongst the details of each issue.

AMPLINEX features

Some of the responses to our survey in AMPLINEX issue 007 suggested to us that it may be worth mentioning a few of the minor features of AMPLINEX which have been added during its development but which are not mentioned in each issue.

One of these is the ability to speed up the operation of the AMPLINEX title screen by holding down the CTRL key. Another is the use of the ESCAPE key to stop the display of a text file in order to return the previous menu.

A final point is the importance of using the Exit from AMPLINEX option on the main menu when you have finished. AMPLINEX redefines certain keys (such as ESCAPE and TAB) and loading in another program without going via this menu option could cause difficulties with these keys.

Music 2000 files

We have received an interesting letter from Michael Mellor on the subject of music files written for use with the Music 2000 MIDI interface.

He writes:

As more persons compose or arrange pieces using an AMPLE-controlled MIDI instrument, even if that is merely a drum machine, this will eventually lead to the difficulty of circulating such files without some adaptation by the receiving individual for his own equipment. Even under these circumstances the piece would not be as the composer/arranger intended.

Will the solution be:

(a) To require contributors using AMPLE/MIDI software to provide a cassette tape recording either on request by a member, or via AMPLINEX which, in the final analysis, I am certain you would not wish to do;

(b) To only accept files which are entirely Music 5000;

(c) To provide some sort of register of available AMPLE/MIDI files with details of the person who can be contacted for a copy outside of AMPLINEX?

We would like to hear the thoughts of other members on this subject whether or not they are Music 2000 users. The options outlined above are not exhaustive, and different suggestions are as welcome as comments on those outlined above.

One small note of caution to those submitting ideas for the development of AMPLINEX. Although we are always keen to consider new ventures (such as the cassette tape option mentioned above) our resources are already stretched by the operation of AMPLINEX in its current form.

We would ask, therefore, that contributors consider the likely effort involved in any new activities and, even better, whether they would be willing to take them on! We would like AMPLINEX to expand but we cannot allow new activities to adversely affect the operation of the current AMPLINEX magazine.

The operation of AMPLINEX

We have received a couple of queries about the operation of AMPLINEX which may be of interest to other members.

The first comes from Allan M Gardner who asks:

If a member submits several items on one disc, and these are included in different issues of AMPLINEX, does the member have his two pounds returned every time he has something included on the AMPLINEX disc?

In response, the first point to make clear is that it is contribution not publication which entitles members to a free issue. The second point is that this works on an issue by issue basis. It is administratively too difficult to try and keep track of the number of items contributed versus the number of discs issued. We realise that members may be able to contribute several items to one issue, but nothing to the next. If this is the case, we do not object if you split up your contributions over several issues.

In short, we operate the two pound fee in order to encourage contribution, and we need to administer this in the simplest way possible.

The second query comes from Jim Redfarn who asks:

Is it really necessary to send a release form on paper with every disc issue of AMPLINEX? Surely a form similar to the one used for the survey could be included on the disc. An initial 'once and for all' signature could be obtained when someone first joins.

Although including the release form in disc format would be possible, there are a few reasons why we prefer to work on paper. Firstly, the legal status of a 'once and for all' signature is not clear. It is also easier to administer the dozens of discs and files with some tangible lists to hand - putting the information on disc would probably just mean printing it once it arrived at AMPLINEX. Finally, the fact that disc space is usually a constraint on what goes into each disc means that we would prefer to avoid adding another disc-based utility.

Can you help?

AMPLINEX is looking for someone to help in the preparation of material for the disc magazine. The work will initially cover the Utilities section of the magazine and will involve the testing, editing and preparation of contributions within the style guidelines of the magazine. The work will probably take between ten and twenty hours per issue (i.e every two months) and meeting publication deadlines will be essential.

You would need to have a thorough understanding of AMPLE and a reasonable knowledge of the BBC computer's hardware. A working knowledge of BASIC or assembler would be useful. Access to common peripherals such as Sideways RAM, Shadow RAM, a joystick or mouse, as well as Hybrid Music System components such as the Music 4000 keyboard or Music 2000 MIDI interface would also be an advantage.

The ability to write clear, grammatical English is essential as some sub-editing of instructions and program information will be required. You must be available by phone (evenings/weekends) and have access to a printer.

Any necessary expenses (e.g. telephone calls, postage) will, of course, be covered by AMPLINEX, but other than that the work is voluntary and unpaid. You would, however, be credited within the magazine and have the satisfaction of contributing to the best computer users' magazine around!

If you think you can help, please get in touch with AMPLINEX.

We always welcome suggestions for improvements in the workings or contents of AMPLINEX - most of the changes made to date have originated from members' suggestions. So, if you have an idea to improve AMPLINEX, let us know.

Also, please let us know if you spot an error or omission in the contents of AMPLINEX - you may be the first one who has noticed.